I just scanned the manual and it seems it won't work without the lid being locked on so that should be ok.

I did a lot of research on the difference between Thermochef and TMX before buying as it was hard to justify the $2k. What won me over was the technology and manufacture as well as the reverse function, which we've since found really important.

I've burnt the bottom of the TMX a couple of times. It may be a learning thing. In the end, you get what you pay for. What gets me is what a blatant copy ithe Bellini is - even to the spatula.

I wonder if Thermomix may finally drop their prices? With the Australian dollar being so high against the Euro, it shouldn't be as expensive as it is. I'm just thankful we got one when we did, because we couldn't buy one now.